“The present study conclusively proves that beedi-smoking causes gastric cancer. Beedi smoking is not a poor man’s comfort but his misery,” said Jayalekshmi.

Centre’s director and study co-author Paul Sebastian said that targeted awareness about the harms of ‘beedi’ and tobacco among vulnerable groups, coupled with prohibitive taxes to curb their consumption, was necessary in the light of the findings.

“Cases of cancer, especially those which can be prevented such as caused by tobacco use, are on the increase in Kerala. Immediate steps are needed to redress the issue,” said Sebastian.